LAZIO CHALLENGE UNITED

Italian club Lazio will be one of the competitors for Manchester United in the race to sign Dutch striker Ricky Van Wolfswinkel. The striker has taken the latest sensation in the competitive world of European football.

He has been linked with a move to Manchester United recently, but just when he thought that it would not get any better, Lazio have also entered into the race to sign the youngster. The 22-year-old is regarded as one of the best strikers in Europe at the moment and he could cost anywhere between £ 15 million-£ 20 million. Liverpool and Manchester United were the competitors for his signature, but the entry of Lazio means that both clubs will be facing intense competition.

Lazio have been spectacular the season in the Italian Serie A and are very much the favourites to qualify for the Champions League next season. As a result, they will be able to offer everything that Manchester United can provide, while they can go one better than Liverpool because the Merseyside club do not have the option of playing in the Champions League as of now. Even as Lazio are preparing a bid in the region of around £ 15 million, it is thought that Portuguese club’s are also interested in signing the player. Sporting Lisbon have come with a surprising valuation of £ 22 million for the player.

Ricky Van Wolfswinkel can be a great replacement for Dimitar Berbatov at Manchester United. Given that Sir Alex Ferguson usually prefers younger players, Ricky Van Wolfswinkel will certainly fit in well in the setup at Old Trafford. However, the presence of Lazio and its much warmer and more beautiful climate means that Manchester United do need to step up their pursuit of the youngster. Ricky Van Wolfswinkel was signed from FC Utrecht in the summer.